Shoemaker Woodcarving

He is the “Old Christmas Man” circa 1570 of southern Germany and some regions of East Germany. He carries a tree and bag. Most of these were made of wood, some however were made of paper mache and contained little candies. 10 ¼ inch

Victorian Kris Kringle with hand carved back and side baskets of toys, cane or staff in hand. This figure is a large detailed carving depicting a Victorian Kris Kringle with approximately 20 toys of that era. The elaborately carved toys are in the two hand carved baskets and his two front pockets. It can include favorite childhood toys. Comes on a base. 16 inches

Santa is sitting on a bench dozing off, his boots, bag, and unfinished wagon are at his feet. A wagon wheel and hammer are still in his hand. 5 ¾ inch

Hand carved side basket of puppies and tree in hand. This is a variation of St. Nicholas Protector of Animals. The basket may contain baby animals of your choice. 7 1/2 inches

With a hand carved back basket and two pairs of animals, this Santa has an animal in one hand and an ark in the other. Santa is wearing a medieval Father Christmas typical dress of the 1300’s. Here he is shown with Biblical educational toys of Noah’s Ark and animals. 8 1/2 inches

Circa 1890’s with hand carved back basket filled with sticks or dried flowers on a base. He was the patron saint of Russia circa 987 AD and later adopted by Italy, Norway, France, and England. 7 1/2 inches

Santa is heading to bed in his nightgown, nightcap, bunny slippers, candle, and his favorite treat, a bag of Hershey kisses (or something of your choosing.) 7 1/4 inches.

Santa with Packages A stack of packages loads down Santa. 5 1/2 inches.

Traditional long coated Santa carrying a goose and a bag. Santa can be painted any color. 7 1/2 inches.

Santa coming from a carved wooden box is approximately 3 inches on a side. All four sides plus the lid are carved in low relief with candles, star, bells, holly wreath, etc. 7 inches

With base, and front hand carved basket of puppies or cats, here Santa is shown as the patron saint of animals. This figure may have puppies as shown, or cats, and they can be painted any color. 8 1/2 inches

A detailed Santa rocking his way around the world. His bag is filled with carved toys. 6 1/2 inches x 6 1/2 inches

This Santa is mounted on a base with an animal of your choice in each pocket. He also has a carved bag on his back with six or more toys, all carved individually. A jester on a stick is in one of his hands. This item measures 14 inches.

Circa 343 A.D. Born in the town of Patras, Turkey, he was called “The Boy Bishop” and was renowned for his extreme kindness and generosity. He is considered the patron saint of children, sailors, and animals. He is often accompanied by Black Peter and riding a white horse. This item measures 9 ¼ inch in height.

With awassailing bowl in hand, this is another version of the English custom of offering up “the blowing bowl” or wassailing bowl which is an elaboration of an old celtic tradition of drinking to one’s health. This item measure 8 inches in height.

On a wood base and hand carved back basket of horns, drums and cannon, this carving was designed to reflect a Circa 1860’s character. He was very important to both the blue and the gray of the Civil War and was probably the only colors that they mutually agreed on. He was often used as a recruiting figure. This item meaures 9 1/2 inches.

With animals in pockets, doll in hand, and bag on his back, Sisal tree and toys, this Santa is Great Britain’s version of St. Nicholas. He is a cross over figure from the Satuanalists who worshipped the midwinter solstice. This item measures 8 inches in height.

This hand carved Father Christmas is pulling a sled with a hand carved doll and a dog riding in it. Father Christmas can be painted the color of your choice. This item measures 8 1/2 inches in height.

Flashing Santa is painted with a leopard skin lined coat, a designer label and a tattoo on his leg. This is another original Shoemaker innovation with a touch of humor. The tattoo can say anything that you want. This item measures 7 ½ inch in height.

This Santa carries a hand carved grape gathering basket containing french bread, cheese and wine. The grape gathering basket is indicative of the fine wines, breads and cheeses of France. This item measures 8 inches in height

This is a replic of a circa 1300 AD Santa with a bag of toys and a staff in his hand. The tales of great deeds attributed to St. Nicholas were carried across Europe by wandering minstrels, crusaders, and gypsies. After 1300 AD, instead of a dark beard, Santa was visualized with a long white beard and sometimes riding a horse through the sky. Can be ordered in any color, and measures 7 inches in height.

Shown here are a few of the many creations from Art's original sketches; many are one of a kind. These Santas can be ordered in any color. The items shown here are 3 ½ to 4 inches high.

With a hand carved base and bag of toys over his shoulder, “Old Man Christmas” is often shown with a goat which has pagan roots. Here he is seen with a coat and hat decorated in the traditional Norwegian style. This item measures 6 3/4 inches in height.

This carving is a depiction of a circa 1825 Sants on a hand carved base with a basket of apples and nuts for good children and a whip for the naughty ones. The German settlers brought him to the New World. The name Belsnickle comes from all the bells he wore. His outer coat of many colors hangs from his shoulders with bells and hat. He measures 8 1/2 inches in height.

He is the French “Father Christmas” circa 1450 with a hand carved back basket of toys and French bread. He began as the patron saint of Russia circa 430 A.D. and was later adopted by Italy, Norway, Germany, France, and England. These toys are typical of French toys of the period. 10 ¼ inch